Takeda, Alnylam to partner on RNAi therapeutics

OSAKA, Japan Takeda Pharmaceuticals has signed a research partnership deal with Alnylam Pharmaceuticals worth as much as $1 billion, according to published reports.

Under the deal, Takeda will receive the right of first refusal to develop and market in Asia some of Alnylam’s RNAi therapies. The transaction calls for a $100 million upfront payment by Takeda to Alnylam, which signed a similar deal last year with Roche, a Swiss drug maker.

“This new alliance expands the advancement of RNAi therapeutics to patients on a global basis,” said John Maraganore, chief executive of Alnylam, noting it now has major licensing deals with Asian and European companies.

The Alnylam contract, which will last five years, is just the latest move by Takeda to broaden its current and future lineup of drug products, as its own licenses expire in coming years.

In April, Takeda announced an $8.8 billion deal to purchase Millennium.